Lichen Planus

[Beattie-75]

I am in my 80’s, and in 2008 and 2016 suffered Oral and Vulval Lichen Planus attacks, which lasted for 6 x 8 months and in the first episode was found to be deficient in B12. Have had 3 monthly injections since.

Back in September was given prescription antibiotic, low dose, for 3 month course due to recurring UTI’s. Very quickly developed oral Lichen Planus again followed by very itchy skin rash which rapidly spread all over my body. Stopped the antibiotic and tried alternative self-helps, ACV and Aloe Vera Juice. Went to my dentist who said ‘there is nothing I can do to help’! Now found new dentist who has requested an appointment for me at a dental hospital I suppose for yet another biopsy. I went to my doctor and was prescribed Fluconazole and Flutisone to use as a mouth wash. I have stopped all medications now as I seem to be incredibly sensitive to so many prescription medications and the list of things I should avoid is getting ever longer. In the meantime I itch all over with red spots everywhere!

Am wondering if anybody has any wise words to help, I visited a very expensive dermatologist who seemed totally disinterested and just prescribed the same as my GP!

[lovesradio]

Might be worth using a dilute salt solution using cooled boiled water as a mouthwash as salt has antibacterial properties and also try bleach baths, which sound alarming until you realise that you can use Miltons sterilising fluid in bath rather than what you use down the toilet! These are often recommended for reducing the itch in eczema.

[Beattie-75 in reply to lovesradio]

Thank you lovesradio for your comment. I do use saltwater mouth washes and they do help. I only shower these days. Just wish I knew what it is that is trying burst out of my skin!!!!!

[Kaprin]

Hi Beattie

I also have Lichen Planus which is an autoimmune issue. I have now suffered with this for 3 years and counting but thankfully mine is just on my legs and soles of my feet. I am currently taking methotrexate and folic acid together with dermovate steroid cream. The itching is relentless, things improving but very very slowly. Still no nearer to finding out why I have developed this awful issue and struggle quite a lot with walking due to it being on the soles of my feet and have had to give up for the time being my gym due to this problem. I feel for you very much and hope you get some relief very soon.

[Beattie-75 in reply to Kaprin]

Ah thank you Kaprin, 3 years! You have my sympathy. Like you, I wonder WHY! What have I done to bring this awful thing on again. I have now stopped all chemical creams and mouth washes and will concentrate on natural things, so we will see!!!! I remember I had it on the soles of my feet the first time so I know how horrid that is. Good luck with everything.

[Udti]

I have suffered from lichen Planus for a number of years. Mouth lp is controlled through daily gargling and occasional application of steroid ointment . The vulval is controlled by application of steroid cream at regular intervals. I have had it different parts of my body and is only controlled with steroid ointment or cream. Unfortunately there is no cure. You need to insist that you need a diagnosis and treatment for the red spots, as that may be lp or something different. Good luck.

[Beattie-75 in reply to Udti]

Thank you for your reply. I do agree about the LP and steroid cream, it does seem to be the only thing that works. Re the rash and irritation which I am convinced was triggered by the antibiotic, I wonder if I should try and get my bloods checked, before starting any eliminations? Trouble is its not easy to get it done! Really just grasping at straws!!!!!

[Udti]

In addition to my reply above, you may want to give up dairy for a while to see if that makes a difference. Giving up dairy has helped me with some conditions.

[chotiroti]

Idon't know what I have but for thelast 6 months have been covered in itching - then sores ALL OVER andkeep being given the same things over and over and it comes back as soon as stopped. Had course of Steroids but made me a bit bonkers tho did help the itch. Likewise in desperation saw private derm. but same but has managed to get me on the urgent list. Worn out with scratching.

[Beattie-75 in reply to chotiroti]

oh dear Chotiroti, so sorry to hear. My itching is marginally better at the moment but have now developed a UTI ! It was the antibiotic treatment for a UTI 6 months ago that started the LP!!!! Now don’t know what to do, trying to get some advice just before Christmas is hopeless. Don’t know where to turn.

[Ell17 in reply to Beattie-75]

Cranberry, Corn Silk (which is soothing), and Uva Ursi are what I use for a UTI (just getting over one actually...what a misery!!). They are natural and you can buy them in capsule form. Also, drink plenty of plain water and lay off of the sugar. I drink a lot of warm water with lemon, too. Celery seed and parsley are great diuretics to help flush your urinary system, as well. Any type of yeast cleanse/ support formulations are also good because they have the antifungal, antimicrobial, antibacterial herbs in one formula. Hope you are on the road to recovery soon!!

[ramanaaa]

I used to get lichen planus on legs and chest area. I started regulary doing oil massage all over my body with almond oil before taking shower. That helped me. Currently, I do not have lichen planus spots, but I continue to do the oil massage. It is mentioned in the web that liver cleansing also helps. I have done that as well. Hope you become better soon.